An Ap for an Ap

This week I decided to explore social media a little bit further and look into the real time world of LBS, discovery engines and AR applications. What are these short forms, you ask? Well, I shared your curiosity earlier in the week as these are elements of social media that are still quite new to me. The fact that I don’t own an iPhone makes me feel as though I am somewhat prehistoric. As such, given my background and knowledge prior to examining these facets, here is what I gathered from this week’s social media experience.

Location Based Service (LBS) (Ex. Gowalla: http://gowalla.com/)

As an avid traveler, I can personally appreciate a LBS such as Gowalla. The creator, Josh Williams, claimed that intent of this program is to have the ability to share travel images, thoughts and locations with friends in a post card format. This program is set up easily for users and can be viewed as a way of story-telling while travelling. When compared to a similar device such as Foursquare, the more mainstream “check-in” device, many believe that Gowalla is a copycat. Either way, Gowalla is easy to use, it is applicable to today’s jet-setter and it is accessible across the globe.

Quick Response (QR) Codes: (Ex. QR Codes for iPhone)

QR Codes are an interesting concept that allow users to remain online even when they are offline. Users are able to take a snapshot of a QR code with the iPhone while standing at a bus shelter, looking in a store window, at an airport, etc. While accomplishing this, users can instantly receive information about the product the code was made for. Similar to scanning a grocery store item, users can now scan the products that surround us in everyday urban living. Although this new application does make me feel as though I am living inside a video game, I can appreciate its use. Now instead of having to ‘google’ an item or event on my computer, I can gain instant information at the flick of a switch!

Augmented Reality (AR) (Ex. Augmented Reality Cinema)

Augmented Reality Cinema is a new application for mobile phones. This application enables users to hold their phone up to an area in a city street (ex. London, England) and the application allows users to see films that were made in that same place on their mobile phones. AR Cinema is made to be seen as a lens for users in the urban world, allowing them to tap in and out of reality and fantasy through film. As a film lover, this is a type of application that interests me. With the help of this device, I am able to feel as though I am actually entering inside some of my favourite films. http://www.augmentedrealitycinema.com/index1.html